On Monday, the pope’s body will be transported to the Vatican Basilica. The ceremony will be private. People will be able to pay their respects to the deceased from 9:00 a.m., and from 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Lying in state is a ceremony during which the body of a deceased person is placed in a special location where it can be viewed by family and friends. It is part of the grieving process, allowing loved ones to say goodbye to the deceased and honor their memory. In the case of a pope, the body may lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican or another location selected by the Holy See. The pope’s body is usually placed in a special coffin and decorated with flowers. Prayers and other religious observances may take place during the ceremony.